When do you know you're ready to type the first words of a new book? How much preparation do you need?
We're all different, but the idea for my next book is usually circling my brain while I'm writing. My brain stirs and cooks the idea for me so when I finish the current book, I'm anxious to start piecing together the next. Then, I might spend a week plotting and filling in character charts and such.
When all of my pre-writing charts are filled, I take a day to write my synopsis. Yes, it takes a day, sometimes longer. It won't be the polished version, but I like to compare my original synopsis with the final copy, and I've found that writing one in the pre-writing phase keeps me on track. I also write a quick query letter. Nothing earth-shattering, just a solid back cover blurb within the query.
I still am not ready to write, however. The next step in my process is to get out a calendar and estimate how long the book will take me to write. It's important for me to check the calendar, because every time I write a book, a vacation pops up, or I've forgotten about the week of volunteer duties I signed up for, or some other major excitement occurs. It's important to plan around these things.
Once I have a target finish date, I'm ready. And then, joy of joys, I'm in first-draft-land, my favorite writing phase!
How do you prepare to write a first draft?
Have a terrific weekend!
LOL Very bad question for this pantser. So far I haven't prepared at all. I finish a manuscript and then I wait for something to pop in my head. It's usually a first line or a scene, and I go from there. That said, after I get that scene or chapter down I'll think about where the book is headed and I'll make sure I've got my GMC down in the first chapter, or at least hinted at, as well as conflict.
ReplyDeleteI do a TON of revising because of my method. LOL
Good question!
If I'm in the middle of another project, I'll keep a small journal of ideas for the next. As thoughts, characters, conflicts come to me, they get jotted down there, and that's the very, very beginning of starting a new ms. Then lots of detail work, research, char development, that sort of thing, before the writing begins.
ReplyDeleteCurious - do you set deadlines for yourself? And if so, do you find them helpful? Always curious about that, because I don't. I wonder sometimes if that might be helpful.
ReplyDeleteI plot out all the scenes, write the elevator pitch and sometimes, but not always, write the synopsis first. Then I get crackin'
I have a 2K word count I shoot for each day. I love that all I have to do is write one or two scenes. That's usually pretty easy for me to come up with.
ReplyDeleteI've never thought of setting a target finishing date for my first draft! But I like that idea! And I think I'm going to do that for my next book! Thanks, Jill! You're so inspiring!
ReplyDeleteGood morning!
ReplyDeleteJessica: I do a ton of revision too! Don't feel bad. I would love to get to a point where my first draft is polished, but I don't see that happening. :)
Joanne: Great! I have a journal where I jot down random ideas for my future projects. I also have considered keeping a manilla folder for each upcoming book where I can keep notes, print out possible pictures of the hero/heroine, and clip any snippet that could fit into my story. I've yet to do that though!
Katie: No, I don't set deadlines, but I'm going to start. I always estimate how long a book will take me, but with my last book, I was taking about twice as long as I'd estimated. Finally, I set a deadline, and what do you know? I finished it. I'll definitely be setting deadlines from now on! I love that our preparations are similar!
T.Anne: Oh yes! Daily goals make all the difference, don't they? Great!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Jody: Since you are very focused, I think it would work terrific for you. It helps eliminate a false sense of "I'm not getting anything done," and helps motivate me on the weeks I'm really NOT getting anything done!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by!
I do some outlining but kinda write as I go. Goals would be a good idea to keep me on track. :O)
ReplyDeleteWow, that's organization!
ReplyDeleteHey, Jill!
ReplyDeleteStarting a novel takes forever for me because it usually starts with a concept or and image. Then I wait for weeks to see how it all starts. I never get much of a plot right away... usually after a few chapters I might get a word for each chapter. But until I get that down, it's a feel-my-way through process. Very time consuming! First draft phase is my favorite too and it doesn't take very long. Just the idea phase and the editing/re-writing phase.
Have a great weekend!
You are one sharp cookie.
ReplyDeleteI allow the characters to walk around with me for a few weeks to see if we can tolerate each other for longer periods of time, and then I plan a loose goal of when I'd like to finish.
And then the writing begins.
~ Wendy
Diane: I've found that keeping track of how many words I write each day, then reviewing the week's total, is a great way to stay on track. With my last book, I was very surprised to see three underperformed weeks in a row. It was the kick in the pants I needed to finish the book.
ReplyDeleteAngie: If only I did the same level of organization with my refrigerator... :)
Kristen T: And your brain is putting it all together while you wait--isn't that awesome?
Thanks so much for stopping by!
What a great idea to set a finishing date for that first draft. That will set you up so well for publisher's deadlines!
ReplyDeleteI use a plotting board, then type up a rough (very rough) synopsis, then jump into the writing. I usually learn so much about my characters in the first three chapters or so, that I tweak that synopsis at that point to fit the characters better.
How do you prepare to write a first draft?
ReplyDeleteReady, set, go! Could be my problem.
I'm stealing the pre synopsis against the final version. That should be interesting.
ReplyDeleteI never thought about an initial query letter!
I do the chapter summaries, a rough outline, and then I write@
I've had a different prewriting process on each of my manuscripts. The one thing they all had in common was that the idea grabbed me and wouldn't let go. I like the process you describe.
ReplyDeleteSad to say, I'm a pantster. I just jump right in. But I have learned this may not be best, so I've decided to do some planning before I start my next one.
ReplyDeleteWendy: I bet most of your characters are quite tolerable. :)
ReplyDeleteErica: I agree about the first three chapters. I feel like I hit my groove once they're complete.
Midlife JH: Ready, set, go! Sounds great to me!
Tamika: It is enlightening to compare a pre-writing synopsis with the finished product. I recommend it!
Paul: Same here. Any initial ideas that don't generate tons of offshoots do not get written by me!
Susan: Best for whom? If it works for you, stay with it!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I write "organically" which means, as it flows out of my head. I plan nothing. It all just comes like magic. So far, so good. Just wish getting published would be that easy.
ReplyDeleteWe prepare with a general outline and a lot of deep breathing. There's something completely terrifying about a blank word document. For us, sometimes the hardest part is just making the decision to start another book. Usually once we've decided and started outlining we're pretty committed, but there's always a couple weeks after we've come up with an idea and before we've completely fleshed it out that we sit around and wonder, "Crap, can we really do this again?"
ReplyDeleteWell gosh, I'm not near as organized! I'm like Jessica, a pantser. Sometimes I think it would benefit me to plan a little more, but I think my creativity may work best with no hampers. Still, it's probably worth a shot.
ReplyDeleteI keep a running list of ideas, so there's always something to think about writing next.
I'm curious, Jill. How many books have you written?
Usually, I just have a brief idea and then start writing. I can't write the plot down because I don't know what it is yet. Once I get going, the plot comes and I do write ideas down then. I love the first draft. For me, that's where all the life is. But, I have I friend who hates it and loves to edit.
ReplyDeleteEm-musing: oh, I wish publishing came that easily too!
ReplyDeleteLisa and Laura: Another big congrats on your publishing contract--I'm thrilled for you!! And yes, you CAN do it again!
Janna: Love the running list of ideas. I do the same thing. To answer your other question--I've completed seven novels. I'm starting number eight later this month!
Nancy: The first draft is my favorite place. I'm much less judgmental in the first draft!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I LOVE all the different ways people prepare for their firsts drafts. I also love that there is no RIGHT way. It's cool that even in the midst of rigorous organization, creativity can still reign. That said, I don't rigorously organize. There are key things I have to know before I begin. Characters, their motivations, major plot points and the ending. Anything can happen from there, more outlining or a first draft. Different every time. (Though this outlining chapters thing is something I've really enjoyed this time around).
ReplyDeleteCindy: Well said! You're right, different books call for different methods!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by!
I'm totally a brooder. Is that a word? I brood over my stories while I do taxes Jan-April, then I get to work as soon after April 15 as I possibly can on my next American novel. I'm always thinking of ideas, writing them down, and brooding. If it sticks in my head, I know that's the next one. I also brood over scenes. When I can't be at my computer, I brood.
ReplyDeleteAnd who said writing wasn't hard work?! Quite the process, Jill! I'm just getting started on my book (can't even call it a WIP yet!!) and have outlined the number of books in the devotional series. The entire series will span a year. So far I'm definitely in the pre-writing prep phase! All prayers welcomed!
ReplyDelete*Wanted to let you know that the blog award I presented to you has been updated. It's the "Inspirational Blog Award" with a new graphic. Please stop by to get your updated award. Enjoy!
Heather: I'm sure brooding over your next book makes tax season tolerable!
ReplyDeleteMaria: It's great to hear you are writing a devotional series! And thanks for the award!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Oh gosh, I am one of those just jump in feet first type writers. I don't know if that is a good thing or not. But so far it is working for me. Ideas cook while I type. It makes for messy editing, but really fun writing :) ... I never was a clean cook :)
ReplyDeleteMost of it is all internal. I start brainstorming, getting a picture of my characters, their careers, family, etc. and the major conflicts. Then I'll do what research need to be done to feel ready to start writing. Usually months have passed before I start the actual draft. It's brewed that long in my head first.
ReplyDeleteI love your idea of deadlines. I really need to do this. I tend to get hung up on something and then way off track.
ReplyDelete